Is It Really The Year of the Republican Woman?

July 30, 2010

By Z. BYRON WOLF

Republicans are happily proclaiming 2010 as the year of the Republican woman, with Sarah Palin's Mama Grizzlies and other female candidates on a roaring tear in primaries nationwide, seemingly adding a diversity to the GOP that even many Republicans say is long overdue.

The perception of a wave of Republican women is due to the number of high-profile governors races, including the all-woman governors races in Oklahoma, and New Mexico and a highly touted slate of women candidates for 6 other governors' mansions from California to South Carolina.

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The perception is also fueled by Palin, a potential 2012 Republican Presidential nominee, who has made electing women one of her causes. She likens them to Mama Grizzlies, rising up on their hind legs, to protect their young, and she recorded a famous video posted on the Internet to inspire Republican women. She predicts a "stampede of pink elephants crossing the line."

Other national Republicans are also jumping at the chance to appear inclusive and diverse.

"There's going to be six to eight next-generation folks who are not middle-aged white guy CEOs," said Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who also has eyes on a run for President in 2012. "So it's going to be a new day, a new era in terms of the face and voice and tone of the Republican Party, and I think that's really good," he said.

Nikki Haley Clinches GOP Runoff in South Carolina Governor Race

"What you're going to see as a confirmation of the Republican Party modernizing, while still being true to its values, is these new next-generation, forward-leaning leaders," he told reporters during a trip to Washington.

The selection Tuesday in Oklahoma of Mary Fallin as the Republican candidate for Governor bolstered the party's case.

Democrats Irked by Perception Of Increased Republican Women

Any mention of 2010 as the year of the Republican woman piques Democrats, who point out they have just as many female candidates for governor as Republicans.

"We're glad to welcome Republicans to 2010, decades after Democrats have been nominating female candidates. We're always gratified when more women and minorities become part of the political process," said Emily DeRose, who speaks for the Democratic Governor's Association.

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Other Democrats point quietly to the growing pains Republicans have had with their women candidates for this year. Nikki Haley in South Carolina won her nomination for governor despite public allegations of infidelity from her challengers.

And there is trouble plauging Republican female candidates running for other offices.
In Colorado, Republican Senate candidate Ken Buck tried to make light of an ad by attacking him by fellow Republican Jane Norton, where she questioned his manhood.